Chrysocolla
Species
Uncommon · (Cu,Al)₂H₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄·nH₂O
A hydrated copper silicate forming in the oxidised zones of copper deposits, often as crusts over earlier secondary minerals. Its distinctive blue-green colour results from copper content. Often intergrown with malachite and chalcedony.
Identity
- Formula
- (Cu,Al)₂H₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄·nH₂O
- Chemical class
- Silicate
- Ore of
- Copper
Crystallography
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Habits
- Massive, Botryoidal, Earthy
- Fracture
- Conchoidal
Physical properties
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 2.2 g/cm³
- Luster
- Waxy, Earthy
- Colors
- blue-green, green, sky blue, blue
- Streak
- white
- Transparency
- Opaque, Translucent
Geology
- Origins
- Sedimentary, Hydrothermal
- Associated minerals
- Malachite, tenorite, Chalcedony, halloysite
- Found in
- Oxidized zone (gossan)
- Geography
- USA (Arizona), Chile, Peru, Israel, DR Congo
Classification
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Gem quality
- Yes
Sources
- M. Pasero and others, IMA Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification, The New IMA List of Minerals, updated September 2026. International Mineralogical Association (CNMNC), 2026.
- Chrysocolla. Mindat.org (Hudson Institute of Mineralogy).
- J. W. Anthony, R. A. Bideaux, K. W. Bladh, M. C. Nichols, Chrysocolla. Mineral Data Publishing, Handbook of Mineralogy, 2001.
- Chrysocolla. Gemdat.org (Hudson Institute of Mineralogy).
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